http://our2012addition.blogspot.com/
This is my last post for our IVF Journey. Here is the new link to my pregnancy blog. Feel free to follow us there and best wishes to all who are still on their journeys. Much love <3
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
8/3/11 Today is the day! The transfer of our babies
Today, I was so excited and nauseated all at the same time. This was it. I was about to throw my legs into stirrups and hopefully become pregnant. We chose for 2 embryos to be transferred back to my uterus with the hopes that at least one would hang on. Both surviving would be a double blessing.
Here they are...Baby A and Baby B! How is this for your first photo??
During the transfer, we got to watch everything on the sonogram. Here is a still photo of the moment our baby(ies) were first introduced to the new home.
During the transfer, we got to watch everything on the sonogram. Here is a still photo of the moment our baby(ies) were first introduced to the new home.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hospitalized for Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Because of my high risk for this, my doctor decided to freeze all of our embryos at 5 days. When I am well, we will do a frozen transfer.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Here eggie eggie egg!
During my egg retrieval, they were only able to harvest eggs from my right ovary. My left ovary was up too high and the needle could not reach. Because of this, they only were able to get 11 eggs, about half of what they expected to get. Nonetheless, out of the 11 eggs, 8 of them fertilized. By day 5, only 3 of those 8 had survived. So we have 3 beautiful fertilized eggs being frozen :) While I initially wasn't excited about the idea of a freeze-all, I am now more understanding of why they are choosing to do it this way. When it comes time for the transfer, I want my body to be completely ready to accept the embryos. Waiting is best...
Friday, June 10, 2011
Dr. Appt. 6/10/11 OHSS and a possible freeze all... JOY :/
Went in this morning for another ultrasound and more bloodwork and was then sent home to "await" the phonecall from my IVF coordinator. That call just came and I have mixed emotions about what I was told.
My estrodial level is now at 5,402 and my pregesterone is now at a level 1.9 and my uterine lining is now measuring at a 16, which is great. Based on these numbers, my medication instructions have changed. Tonight I stay the same with 2 follistim vials/1 menopur vial and 5 units of Lupron. Tomorrow I reduce to 1 follistim vial/1 menopur and 5 units of Lupron. Sunday morning, I go in at 10am for more bloodwork. Based on my Sunday results, my doctor will let me know the protocol for that evening. My coordinator is thinking I will be doing my trigger shot(induction of ovulation) Monday evening, meaning that my egg retrieval is likely to be 36 hours later on Wednesday, June 15th. What exactly happens during my procedure you wonder? Here is a good video that I found that shows an actual egg retreival. I will be put to sleep for this.
The not so wonderful news: I am at high risk for Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and my doctor is already considering a freeze-all on this cycle. You are probably asking at this point... what is hyperstimulation(OHSS)? and what is a freeze-all?
*OHSS, or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, is one of the most common complications of infertility treatment. As the fluid-filled egg follicles begin to grow within the ovary, the ovary enlarges. Sometimes, that fluid can cause fluid elsewhere in the body to shift into the abdominal cavity or the lungs. This syndrome usually occurs in women undergoing IVF, although it may rarely be seen in women taking injectable medications for an IUI cycle as well. OHSS most frequently occurs 5 to 10 days after the injection of HCG to prepare you for egg retrieval, though some women may experience symptoms a little earlier.
Symptoms include:
FREEZE-ALL... this simply means that they will do my egg retreival as planned and fertilize them as planned but then instead of transferring them to my uterus on day 5, they will freeze all of the embryos and plan on a transfer date in the future...with me this would be in August. The freeze is done to prevent further complications from the OHSS to either myself or the baby. This also calls for more medication, which means more money...
Can I just be pregnant already!!
My estrodial level is now at 5,402 and my pregesterone is now at a level 1.9 and my uterine lining is now measuring at a 16, which is great. Based on these numbers, my medication instructions have changed. Tonight I stay the same with 2 follistim vials/1 menopur vial and 5 units of Lupron. Tomorrow I reduce to 1 follistim vial/1 menopur and 5 units of Lupron. Sunday morning, I go in at 10am for more bloodwork. Based on my Sunday results, my doctor will let me know the protocol for that evening. My coordinator is thinking I will be doing my trigger shot(induction of ovulation) Monday evening, meaning that my egg retrieval is likely to be 36 hours later on Wednesday, June 15th. What exactly happens during my procedure you wonder? Here is a good video that I found that shows an actual egg retreival. I will be put to sleep for this.
The not so wonderful news: I am at high risk for Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and my doctor is already considering a freeze-all on this cycle. You are probably asking at this point... what is hyperstimulation(OHSS)? and what is a freeze-all?
*OHSS, or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, is one of the most common complications of infertility treatment. As the fluid-filled egg follicles begin to grow within the ovary, the ovary enlarges. Sometimes, that fluid can cause fluid elsewhere in the body to shift into the abdominal cavity or the lungs. This syndrome usually occurs in women undergoing IVF, although it may rarely be seen in women taking injectable medications for an IUI cycle as well. OHSS most frequently occurs 5 to 10 days after the injection of HCG to prepare you for egg retrieval, though some women may experience symptoms a little earlier.
Symptoms include:
- Weight gain (more than 5 pounds in 2 to 3 days)
- Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension or swelling
- Difficulty breathing or urinating
FREEZE-ALL... this simply means that they will do my egg retreival as planned and fertilize them as planned but then instead of transferring them to my uterus on day 5, they will freeze all of the embryos and plan on a transfer date in the future...with me this would be in August. The freeze is done to prevent further complications from the OHSS to either myself or the baby. This also calls for more medication, which means more money...
Can I just be pregnant already!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Ugh...
Ok, last night I tossed and turned until I got irritated enough to just stay up most of the night. I always sleep on my stomach or on my side and thanks to the pain from my ovaries and lower abdomen, that just wasn't happening. If I lay on either side, it puts pressure on my ovaries and they are beyond tender/painfull right now. My uterus is enlarged and it looks like I am 3 months pregnant, so sleeping on my stomach is also out of the question.
All of this, from what I have researched, seems to be the effects of the stimulant injections I am on. Today will be day 7 and I can definately feel the results. I feel bloated and just uncomfortable in my entire abdomen. Will be so glad to go to the doctor in the morning to see what is going on. I will also be finding out tomorrow what day my procedure is next week :)
All of this, from what I have researched, seems to be the effects of the stimulant injections I am on. Today will be day 7 and I can definately feel the results. I feel bloated and just uncomfortable in my entire abdomen. Will be so glad to go to the doctor in the morning to see what is going on. I will also be finding out tomorrow what day my procedure is next week :)
Now....if I can just get through tonight.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Doctor Visit 6/7/11
Yesterday, I went to the doctor for my ultrasound and bloodwork to check my Estradiol and Progesterone levels. To my best understanding, the estradoil has to do with how many follicles (eggs) I have along with their sizes. Follicles have to be a certain size before they are mature and ready for retreival. Today I had 27-32 follicles per ovary! The largest one on the right side was 11 mm and on the left, 10 mm. The doctor wants them between 18-21 for retreival, so although I have a ton of follicles...they still have a bit of growing to do. My estradoil level was 985, which is relatively high for day 4. They are guessing that by retreival, theat level will be well beyong 3,000. They are watching me carefully so that hopefully I do not hyperstimulate. If I do, that means that they will retreive the follicles, fertilize them and then freeze all embryos until next month, when my body is in a better condition to house the baby.
They also checked my progesterone level and it was at .09 was excellent. They want it under 2. This number tells them that I have not tried to ovulate and that the medicines are working to prevent that like they are supoosed to.
At this appointment, they did an ultrasound to not only look at the follicles, but to also measure the lining of my uterus. It was 10 mm (or was this number in cm?), which the IVF coordinator referred to as "beautiful"
My medication stays the same and will be looked at again on Friday for possible changes. 2 vials of Follistim and 1 vial Menopur with 5 units of Leuprolide.
Overall, this appointment went well. I will know on Friday of this week which day next week that I will be going in for my retreival. Excited~
They also checked my progesterone level and it was at .09 was excellent. They want it under 2. This number tells them that I have not tried to ovulate and that the medicines are working to prevent that like they are supoosed to.
At this appointment, they did an ultrasound to not only look at the follicles, but to also measure the lining of my uterus. It was 10 mm (or was this number in cm?), which the IVF coordinator referred to as "beautiful"
My medication stays the same and will be looked at again on Friday for possible changes. 2 vials of Follistim and 1 vial Menopur with 5 units of Leuprolide.
Overall, this appointment went well. I will know on Friday of this week which day next week that I will be going in for my retreival. Excited~
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Thank you for your support and understanding
Up to this point, you may have followed us through our journey as we have experienced infertility, a failed IUI and now on this emotional rollercoaster called IVF. I want to thank all of my family and friends who have answered my frantic phonecalls, listened to me cry and those who have kept up with my doctor appointments almost as well as I did :) You all have been an enormous amount of support that has gotten me this far. I love you for calling to check on me, just to make sure I was ok. It means the world.
As you know...the time is here. I have been on injections for almost 2 weeks now and my stimulation medication started yesterday. This IVF cycle has officially begun. I am scheduled for my procedure the week of June 12th...only 1 week away. Here is where I need your understanding....
I am overjoyed as I think of a positive outcome and I am also trying to maintain a sense of reality. Although my thoughts remain positive, I know that this could go either way for us. IVF is not a guaranteed healthy pregnancy. Those who have joined us on this journey will be awaiting (not so patiently) for that phonecall, facebook post or text message from us come the end of June, hopefully bearing wonderful news that we are expecting. But this will not happen. I ask that for our sake, let's please not discuss this until Ryan and I are ready. If you don't hear from us by the end of this month, don't be alarmed. We will let you all know the outcome of this cycle when we feel it's time. I know how easily it would be to try to get me to tell you the result, but please don't ask. If it is unsuccessful, Ryan and I will need time to deal with this...privately. If it is successful, I will let each and every one of my family and friends know individually when the time is right :)
Thank you for your love and support!
As you know...the time is here. I have been on injections for almost 2 weeks now and my stimulation medication started yesterday. This IVF cycle has officially begun. I am scheduled for my procedure the week of June 12th...only 1 week away. Here is where I need your understanding....
I am overjoyed as I think of a positive outcome and I am also trying to maintain a sense of reality. Although my thoughts remain positive, I know that this could go either way for us. IVF is not a guaranteed healthy pregnancy. Those who have joined us on this journey will be awaiting (not so patiently) for that phonecall, facebook post or text message from us come the end of June, hopefully bearing wonderful news that we are expecting. But this will not happen. I ask that for our sake, let's please not discuss this until Ryan and I are ready. If you don't hear from us by the end of this month, don't be alarmed. We will let you all know the outcome of this cycle when we feel it's time. I know how easily it would be to try to get me to tell you the result, but please don't ask. If it is unsuccessful, Ryan and I will need time to deal with this...privately. If it is successful, I will let each and every one of my family and friends know individually when the time is right :)
Thank you for your love and support!
Menopur and Follistim Injection (oUcH....and grumpy!)
We are giving both of these medications in one injection. I am currently on 2 vials of Follistim and 1 vial of Menopur. I just took my 2nd dose of the injections and let me just set the record straight.... That's alot of medicine going through a tiny needle to be given subcutaneously and jeez...does it have to sting that bad! This medicine does burn when injected and almost immediately caused a bruise with me.
Yesterday was my first day on these medicines and I am not sure if it's the medicine or just me having mood swings, but today I have been a bit grumpy. I felt great this morning and then about 3pm, about 19 hours after the first doses... my mood completely changed. I am easily irritated like a 2 year old toddler who needs a nap.
Yesterday was my first day on these medicines and I am not sure if it's the medicine or just me having mood swings, but today I have been a bit grumpy. I felt great this morning and then about 3pm, about 19 hours after the first doses... my mood completely changed. I am easily irritated like a 2 year old toddler who needs a nap.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Here we go!
Today is June 3rd...the official start date for my IVF cycle. I am quick blogging right before Ryan and I go to my doctor appointment. I am nervous and overly excited!! At today's appointment, we will have a baseline ultrasound done and my doctor will perform a mock transfer, a practice run just to be sure that on the day of the real procedure that no unexpected hurdles have to be jumped. So, here we go... no looking back :)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Follow Instructions Yvonne, Follow Instructions!
Instructions: Take last birth control pill on 5/29/11
What I did: Put "Stop birth control pills" on the calendar for 5/29/11.
When I looked at my IVF calendar I made, I couldn't figure out if I was supposed to actually take a pill on the 29th or not take on on the 29th. My doctor office was closed, because the 29th fell on a Sunday and I had no way of contacting my IVF coordinator. So, I just didn't take the pill for the 29th. What is 1 day gonna hurt?
I thought no more about it until today...Wednesday June 1st. My period has become extremely heavy and not knowing if this was normal or not, I decided to call my doctors office. Thankfully this bleeding is completely normal and they will see me on Friday for my baseline ultrasound! While on the phone I mentioned to my coordinator that I had stopped the pill on Saturday instead of Sunday. She said that hopefully it would not cause a problem but put me on hold to check with my doctor. When she returned to the line to say that Dr. Deaton thought it would be ok...so long as my body had not already determined that one follicle would be dominant. During IVF preparation, this is very important. They don't want 1 dominant follicle...they want all follicles to grow as much as they can. I am now learning that the birth control pills help with controlling this process.
So, in a nutshell... on Friday of this week he will be able to tell. If I have a dominant follicle...this cycle will be canceled and I will have to wait until July or possibly August :( If all is well and there is no dominate cycle, then we proceed as normal. (fingers crossed!)
The directions to follow during IVF prep are very detailed. It is stressful looking at all the directions and being fearful of one little mistake you could easily make. Please tell me I did not screw this up with one little tiny birth control pill.....
What I did: Put "Stop birth control pills" on the calendar for 5/29/11.
When I looked at my IVF calendar I made, I couldn't figure out if I was supposed to actually take a pill on the 29th or not take on on the 29th. My doctor office was closed, because the 29th fell on a Sunday and I had no way of contacting my IVF coordinator. So, I just didn't take the pill for the 29th. What is 1 day gonna hurt?
I thought no more about it until today...Wednesday June 1st. My period has become extremely heavy and not knowing if this was normal or not, I decided to call my doctors office. Thankfully this bleeding is completely normal and they will see me on Friday for my baseline ultrasound! While on the phone I mentioned to my coordinator that I had stopped the pill on Saturday instead of Sunday. She said that hopefully it would not cause a problem but put me on hold to check with my doctor. When she returned to the line to say that Dr. Deaton thought it would be ok...so long as my body had not already determined that one follicle would be dominant. During IVF preparation, this is very important. They don't want 1 dominant follicle...they want all follicles to grow as much as they can. I am now learning that the birth control pills help with controlling this process.
So, in a nutshell... on Friday of this week he will be able to tell. If I have a dominant follicle...this cycle will be canceled and I will have to wait until July or possibly August :( If all is well and there is no dominate cycle, then we proceed as normal. (fingers crossed!)
The directions to follow during IVF prep are very detailed. It is stressful looking at all the directions and being fearful of one little mistake you could easily make. Please tell me I did not screw this up with one little tiny birth control pill.....
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Tiny needles....
Today marks day 5 of my injections of Lupron. Just wanted to let you know how that's going for those who are as anxious as I was before beginning the shots. The needles are tiny and the Lupron doesn't burn at all when injected. We have been giving mine in the back side of the upper arm in the fatty part and it is virtually painless. I have a few more days before beginning the other injectables, so I can't speak for those yet.
Only about 2 more weeks!!
~Yvonne~
Only about 2 more weeks!!
~Yvonne~
Monday, May 23, 2011
Information overload....
Today I went in to meet with our IVF coordinator, Angela, so that she could go over all of my medications that I now have neatly piled into a box. My brain took in way too much information.
I probably should have recorded our meeting for later review! (tip for those of you who may be getting ready to go through IVF) The medication teaching can be a bit overwhelming to say the least. Mix this with this and then add it to that, pull the needle down, then push it back up...thump it twice, pull it back down, push it back up....and then give yourself a shot. "eeeek" I felt a sudden burst of anxiety pumping through my veins. Beginning tomorrow, I will start my injections and only 3 more weeks until the big procedure. My nerves are getting a little rattled.
Small Investment
This is not an cheap process...although we are hoping worth every penny!
This blog is where I will document the amount of money we spend as we go along. This will help me keep up with it and will also offer some insight to other couples considering IVF. Each date that I spend something related to this, I will note it here. The total for the day will be in bold and an itemized description will be below it.
Total so far... $26,696.64
Addition expenses on future dates will include $1300 for freezing and thawing and storing additional embryos for 12 months.
6/23/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $7.64
Hydrocodone for pain after hospital release
6/18/11 High Point Regional Hospital $7532.48
Admitted to hospital for 5 days-result of hyper-stimulation after egg retrieval
Hospital bill $7136.48
High Point Radiological $142.00
Carolina Anesthesiology $254.00
6/17/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $57.59
Ondansetron HCL 4mg (for nausea)
6/17/11 Martinsville Hospital ER $3714.28
ER visit-result of hyper-stimulation after egg retrieval
Hospital bill $3197.28
ER Billing Group (bills for ER dr.) $397.00
Piedmont Diagnostic Radiology (pelvic ultrasound) $120.00
6/14/11 Ascend SpecialtyRx $488.76
Ganirelix 250MCG/0.5ML
Cabergoline 0.5 MG
6/3/11 Carolina Anesthesia $500.00
prepayment to be put to sleep for upcoming egg retrieval
6/3/11 Premier Fertility $300.00
FINAL payment for the IVF cycle (wooooo hooooo!)
5/31/11 Premier Fertility $218.00
Payment toward IVF
5/23/11 Premier Fertility $717.00
Payment toward IVF (only $518.00 left to pay :)
5/15/11 Premier Fertility $250.00
Payment toward IVF
5/11/11 Premier Fertility $1200.00
Payment toward IVF
5/9/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $19.99
2nd pack of birth control pills
5/4/11 Premier Fertility $6,567.00
Payment toward IVF
5/2/11 Purchased medication online $1080.00
Bravelle $655.00
Menopur $430.00
4/26/11 Mandell's Clinical Pharmacy $656.61
4/19/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $19.99
Birth control pills needed to control cycle
4/15/11 Patrick County Family Practice $90.00
Papsmear required for IVF
4/12/11 Premier Fertility $88.00
Semen Analysis
4/11/11 Premier Fertility $100.00
IVF Deposit to secure start date $100.00
4/8/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $98.35
Prometrium $77.36
PreNatal Vitamins $19.99
4/5/11 Premier Fertility $373.00
IVF Consultation $50.00
Required IVF Blood Work $323.00
3/25/11 Premier Fertility $110.00
Sonogram to recheck egg sizes $110.00
3/21/11 Premier Fertility $110.00
Sonogram for initial egg quantity $110.00
3/13/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $248.59
Femara 2.5mg (10 pills) $186.10
Pregnyl HCG Trigger Shot Injection $62.49
2/28/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $77.36
Prometrium $77.36
2/28/11 Premier Fertility $272.00
Blood Work/Office Visit $272.00
3/10 Dr. Yalcinkiya $1800.00
Hysterosalpingagram Procedure approx. $1200.00
Office Visit/Blood Work/Semen Analysis/Complete Work Up to determine cause of infertility $600.00
This blog is where I will document the amount of money we spend as we go along. This will help me keep up with it and will also offer some insight to other couples considering IVF. Each date that I spend something related to this, I will note it here. The total for the day will be in bold and an itemized description will be below it.
Addition expenses on future dates will include $1300 for freezing and thawing and storing additional embryos for 12 months.
6/23/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $7.64
Hydrocodone for pain after hospital release
6/18/11 High Point Regional Hospital $7532.48
Admitted to hospital for 5 days-result of hyper-stimulation after egg retrieval
Hospital bill $7136.48
High Point Radiological $142.00
Carolina Anesthesiology $254.00
6/17/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $57.59
Ondansetron HCL 4mg (for nausea)
6/17/11 Martinsville Hospital ER $3714.28
ER visit-result of hyper-stimulation after egg retrieval
Hospital bill $3197.28
ER Billing Group (bills for ER dr.) $397.00
Piedmont Diagnostic Radiology (pelvic ultrasound) $120.00
6/14/11 Ascend SpecialtyRx $488.76
Ganirelix 250MCG/0.5ML
Cabergoline 0.5 MG
6/3/11 Carolina Anesthesia $500.00
prepayment to be put to sleep for upcoming egg retrieval
6/3/11 Premier Fertility $300.00
FINAL payment for the IVF cycle (wooooo hooooo!)
5/31/11 Premier Fertility $218.00
Payment toward IVF
5/23/11 Premier Fertility $717.00
Payment toward IVF (only $518.00 left to pay :)
5/15/11 Premier Fertility $250.00
Payment toward IVF
5/11/11 Premier Fertility $1200.00
Payment toward IVF
5/9/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $19.99
2nd pack of birth control pills
5/4/11 Premier Fertility $6,567.00
Payment toward IVF
5/2/11 Purchased medication online $1080.00
Bravelle $655.00
Menopur $430.00
4/26/11 Mandell's Clinical Pharmacy $656.61
4/19/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $19.99
Birth control pills needed to control cycle
4/15/11 Patrick County Family Practice $90.00
Papsmear required for IVF
4/12/11 Premier Fertility $88.00
Semen Analysis
4/11/11 Premier Fertility $100.00
IVF Deposit to secure start date $100.00
4/8/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $98.35
Prometrium $77.36
PreNatal Vitamins $19.99
4/5/11 Premier Fertility $373.00
IVF Consultation $50.00
Required IVF Blood Work $323.00
3/25/11 Premier Fertility $110.00
Sonogram to recheck egg sizes $110.00
3/21/11 Premier Fertility $110.00
Sonogram for initial egg quantity $110.00
3/13/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $248.59
Femara 2.5mg (10 pills) $186.10
Pregnyl HCG Trigger Shot Injection $62.49
2/28/11 Rite Aid Pharmacy $77.36
Prometrium $77.36
2/28/11 Premier Fertility $272.00
Blood Work/Office Visit $272.00
3/10 Dr. Yalcinkiya $1800.00
Hysterosalpingagram Procedure approx. $1200.00
Office Visit/Blood Work/Semen Analysis/Complete Work Up to determine cause of infertility $600.00
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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